White's passionate plea serves as a wake-up call, urging the government to embrace the vast potential that lies within their grasp.
Renowned Hollywood filmmaker Angela White recently voiced her disappointment in the Ghanaian government's lack of support for diasporan creatives during a panel discussion at the Essence Festival held in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Ms White revealed her decision to move her upcoming film project from Ghana to South Africa, emphasizing the need for the government to step up its efforts in facilitating investments in the Ghanaian film industry.
It is worth noting that White's production company had previously collaborated with the Ghanaian government on a groundbreaking project that brought significant business opportunities and elevated the nation's cinematic landscape.
The venture, a thrilling film titled 'Nine,' employed over 120 talented individuals and featured an ensemble cast of more than 50 gifted actors, including Ghana's own Chris Attoh, Nigeria's Kate Henshaw, and South Africa's Rosemary Zimu, among other stars.
The filming of 'Nine' took place in Accra, Ghana's vibrant capital, and generated substantial buzz, even boosting the local AirBnB sector and contributing to the country's revenue. White shared the project's inspiring backstory, revealing that it initially began as a modest short film called 'Be My Valentine' but organically grew into a full-fledged feature with immense potential.
Expressing her frustration, White stated, "I brought a lot of revenue to Ghana, and the reason why my next project will probably be in South Africa is because I got nowhere with the Ghanaian government. It really became a battle, and so I’m happy to see Idris take this fight because if they don’t start getting country credits, the work’s gonna go to South Africa".
Despite her present encounters, White remains optimistic and commends the efforts of industry heavyweight Idris Elba, who has been actively championing Ghana's film industry. She fervently hopes that the Ghanaian government will recognize the economic benefits and cultural exchange that partnerships with diasporan creatives can bring.
White's passionate plea serves as a wake-up call, urging the government to embrace the vast potential that lies within their grasp. By nurturing an environment that supports these collaborations, Ghana has a remarkable opportunity to position itself as a global hub for innovation and creative expression.
As the first African-American woman to produce and own a production company that released a theatrically faith-based film, entitled "A Question of Faith," featuring Kim Fields and Richard T. Jones, White's films have showcased top Hollywood talent, including Tiffany Haddish, Omari Hardwick, Isaiah Washington, Salli Richardson, Brian White, and Jay Ellis.
Amid adversity, White's unwavering resolve serves as an inspiring testament to the resilience and determination of diasporan creatives. The film industry continues to evolve, and it is vital for countries to seize these invaluable opportunities to flourish on the global stage.
The call for support from the Ghanaian government echoes the aspirations of diasporan creatives worldwide, hoping for an inclusive and collaborative future that transcends borders and celebrates the richness of diverse storytelling.
Source: Tellusghana || Naa Lamley
